Marlene Knaus is a former Austria Model, but who is probably best known as the ex-wife of Niki Lauda, the late Formula One (F1) racing driver. She was born 1956 in USA before relocating and receiving Austrian citizenship, but belongs to Venezuelan ethnicity.

Marlene rose to prominence after she married the late Niki Lauda.

She met Niki in 1975 and after dating for a couple of months, the two tied the knot in 1976.

They were considered one of the most prominent celebrity couples of the time, which put them on the media radar, and led to their love story making page three headlines.

As per some reputable sources, Marlene is said to have fainted once she saw her husband’s damaged eyelids and burns after his almost fatal Grand Prix accident.

Marlene was not Niki’s first woman.

Marlene rose to prominence after she married the late Niki Lauda.

She met Niki in 1975 and after dating for a couple of months, the two tied the knot in 1976.

They were considered one of the most prominent celebrity couples of the time, which put them on the media radar, and led to their love story making page three headlines.

As per some reputable sources, Marlene is said to have fainted once she saw her husband’s damaged eyelids and burns after his almost fatal Grand Prix accident.

Marlene was not Niki’s first woman.

Marlene began her career as a model at a tender age in the 1960s.

Over time she became popular due to her successful modeling career, which led to many famous brands seeking her skills.

She was known as the ‘it-girl’ for her signature loose hairdo and impeccable sense of fashion – her hairstyle later became a trend at the time.

She graced the covers of various magazines and became very active in the fashion industry, then later worked as a designer, and became a socialite.

Marlene Knaus’ net worth is estimated to be around $43 million as of early 2020.